How to install SSL certificate Wordpress [2024] 💥
It is extremely harmful for webshop owners to display messages such as "Wordpress site unsecure". There are many other options, but it all boils down to the same thing. It immediately scares your visitors. No one wants to make a purchase or make a payment via a website that isn't safe. Your site does not have an active SSL certificate. We'll quickly show you how to fix this problem as fast as possible.
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NB: Always back up your website before making changes to it.
Secure websites work on https:// not http:// therefore, before we can do any other things we need to redirect all pages/posts to https:// The best way to do this with Wordpress websites is to use a plugin that handles everything. In your Wordpress backend, go to "Plugins" >> “Add new”. Type "ssl" in the searchbox.
Install and activate the "Really Simple SSL" plug-in (for free). It is used by over 5,000,000 people. The plugin will walk you through the steps. See screenshot below. If an SSL certificate for your site is detected, you are good to go. Otherwise follow the other options below.
1. With server control
This is for anyone with control over a VPS/VDS, or dedicated server. The situation will be explained for WHM (Cpanel), but other systems such as Plesk, DirectAdmin and others have it. Logion into your WHM panel. Use the searchbox. Type: "ssl". Click "Manage AutoSSL" on the menu. The middle of the screen is where you will find "Run AutoSSL to all users". It takes some time for the server to complete this. After that, you can go back and check your website. It will be safe.
2. With control over a hosting panel
If you are using shared hosting, be sure to search for the "Let’s Encrypt” option in your hosting control panel. WP Engine, Kinsta and A2 Hosting are all known hosts that offer this feature. Login to your Cpanel regardless and check if the hoster offers it. Click on "Let’s encrypt". This will open a list with all your domains. Select one domain from the list, or multiple domains. Then click "Issue".
Are you unable to find "Let's Encrypt?" Next, find "SSL/TLS Status" in Cpanel and click on it. This will take you to the next page. Take a look at the screenshot below.
In the screenshot number(2), mark all boxes and then click "Run AutoSSL". Allow the server to resolve the problem. This will take some time. You can do something else. Come back in one hour to verify that your site is safe.
NB: Cloudflare will handle the SSL-certificate if you use it. If you're on Cloudflare nameservers, running AutoSSL here won't affect anything. There is no stable certificate on Cloudflare so you shouldn't be concerned about these warnings. It's all taken care of by them, and it is completely free.
3. Use Cloudflare CDN and SSL-cert (free)
This is the best and easiest way to resolve the problem. Get a certificate for free without installing it. Also, you get Cloudflare protection as well as CDN free of charge. CDNs make your website accessible from hundreds of servers around the globe, allowing for quick access for visitors. Cloudflare offers this free of charge. Follow this link to sign up, then add your website. Next, go to your domain registration and change your nameservers for Cloudflare. Cloudflare will walk you through each step. See screenshot below for the "Free plan" option.
4. Using a Wordpress plugin (free)
We will use the best plugin ofthis kind called "One-Click Free SSL Certificate Plugin". Go to "Plugins" >> "Add new" in your Wordpress backend. Search for the name of the plugin. Install and activate it. You will get a confirmation email now. Go to your inbox and click on the link. Now choose the free plan.
Watch the video here to know how to go through the steps to install the certificate. There is also a fully automated version, in this case you have nothing to do but it will cost you 27 dollars or 45 dollars for lifetime. I make no money on this, but I tell you straight, that is the best and easiest option.
5. Ask it your hosting-provider
It is difficult to manually install a certificate. You will have trouble even if I list all the steps. You can either hire someone on Fiverr.com to help you or ask your hosting provider to help you. If you're stubborn and want it to work, you can google it. However, I don't recommend it.
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